The participation by interest groups (prominently the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions: ZCTU, churches, professional bodies, the women's lobby, university students and human rights groups) in the campaign that brought an end to the one-party state, was a break with tradition and raised expectations that the process of democratic revival could be anchored to newly invigorated forces of civil society helping to ensure that government would remain 'transparent' and accountable. Under the impact of the economic reform programme, which the MMD government has pursued since coming to power, the alliance between organised labour and the business community (one of the MMD's key underpinnings at its formation) has come under serious strain, with the unions increasingly critical of government policies. The controversy over the 1996 constitutional amendments has drawn in a wide range of interest groups (though not so far the ZCTU).
Violent crime is prevalent in Zambia and is partially connected to the supply of surplus weapons from recent conflict zones in contiguous areas of Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. Muggings, petty theft and carjackings are commonplace in Lusaka, especially along Cairo Road, in other commercial areas and housing compounds. Travel at night is considered especially risky, both in Lusaka and on roads outside the city.
Bombs that exploded in and near Lusaka during February 1999 caused insecurity. "External enemies" were blamed, and the explosions may have been related to the tension between Angola and Zambia owing to accusations at the time that Zambia was assisting UNITA with arms and fuel supplies.
As with neighbouring Malawi, there are limited concerns in Zambia about the possibility of penetration by international Islamist terrorist networks. Unlike in East Africa, there is very little evidence of terrorist activity in Zambia.
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Violent crime is prevalent in Zambia and is partially connected to the supply of surplus weapons from recent conflict zones in contiguous areas of Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. Muggings, petty theft and carjackings are commonplace in Lusaka, especially along Cairo Road, in other commercial areas and housing compounds. Travel at night is considered especially risky, both in Lusaka and on roads outside the city.
Bombs that exploded in and near Lusaka during February 1999 caused insecurity. "External enemies" were blamed, and the explosions may have been related to the tension between Angola and Zambia owing to accusations at the time that Zambia was assisting UNITA with arms and fuel supplies.
As with neighbouring Malawi, there are limited concerns in Zambia about the possibility of penetration by international Islamist terrorist networks. Unlike in East Africa, there is very little evidence of terrorist activity in Zambia.
Click here for Jane's page (subscription required)